10/5/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Golf.
From the local driving range to the manicured lawns at Augusta, a golfer’s goal is always the same: an ever lower number on their scorecard. You dial in your strokes, working with each club in your bag. You spend focused time on putting in hopes of finishing under par. Know your misses, keep out of the bunkers, and stay in the middle of the green. With all your hard work, and maybe a little luck, today might be the day you hit that hole-in-one. When we protect golfers, we keep this sport safe and healthy for all.
Courage First Athlete Helpline
Use this resource if you are in need of confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, informational athlete-focused resources, and guidance related to concerns about any type of abuse.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline is a no-cost call and text service for anyone in need. +1 888-279-1026
Common Golf Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Golf has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Golf is a technical sport that requires specialized coaching. Coaches may have a high level of power over athletes, and many coaches with high reputations may go unquestioned, despite authoritarian coaching styles.
- Since golf is a technical sport, there is both internal and external pressure of perfectionism and criticism, which can lead to emotional abuse.
- Close relationships can develop between athletes and coaches, and competitions result in increased amounts of one-on-one interactions. These relationships can develop while the athlete is still young because of early sport specialization, and boundaries can become blurred.
What’s the difference between tough coaching & abuse?
The Coach Athlete Relationship Dynamics Diagrams below can be used as a gut check; consider the conduct you experience and observe in your sporting community, and discern whether what is occurring aligns with a caring and supportive coach-athlete relationship. For athletes who have unhealthy relationship dynamics with their coaches, inappropriate behavior can be subtle and difficult to discern. Awareness and prevention of these patterns of power and control help keep everyone safe.
Current Events
Unfortunately, news articles chronicling misconduct in sport and unhealthy coach-athlete dynamics are frequent and widespread. Abuse in sport has been occurring for decades, and the public is now becoming aware of these hidden situations as more and more survivors bravely disclose and report misconduct they have experienced. #WeRideTogether is committed to increasing awareness and continually updating this compiled list of current events on the topic of sexual abuse in sport. Sexual misconduct is happening across all sports, at all levels, internationally.
8/23/2026
Good Good And Callaway Release Statements After Driver Commercial Receives Online Backlash
6/11/2026
Phil Mickelson accused of 'inappropriate' conduct at private golf course
2/27/2026
Former UTC golfer claims she was denied care after receiving a head injury during workout
10/18/2026
Youth Sports Families Allege Travel Company Threatened Their Kids' Playing Status If They Didn't Pay Lodging Fees
10/15/2026
Athletic trainer at San Jose school accused of sexual battery of student
10/14/2026
Details emerge on police raid of ex-Kempsville High School athletic director’s home
10/11/2026
As sports betting is normalized, college players have become targets of aggrieved bettors
Golf Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety and Environmental Safety within Golf.
Filter by…
No resources under that filter for Golf yet.
Back to the Basics of Course Care Etiquette
Environmental Safety
Learn about golf course etiquette and care.
Golfer's Elbow
Physical Safety
Learn about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of golfer's elbow.
How to Stay Safe in Lightning on the Golf Course
Environmental Safety
Gain an understanding of golf course lightning safety.
Survivor Stories
Survivors are increasingly stepping forward to bravely tell their stories. The following stories reflect the survivors’ personal experiences, as told by them, and may be triggering for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct. All information has been anonymized.
If you are a survivor interested in sharing your story and learning more about this process, please reach out to us at info@weridetogether.today.
We want to hear from you!
You are not alone.
What resources or information do you want for your sport? Contact us and let us know.
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct or abuse, please access these resources for help. For additional information on confidential helplines, sexual assault reporting procedures, and mental health resources, click the button below.
View Crisis Resources
